Google & Lego team up to build a virtual brick-building playground

That’s according to the Google Chrome team, which is teaming up with Lego to bring those beloved colorful bricks to the web via a new Build with Chrome application. You can access the site through a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

The news broke earlier today in a blog post by Adrian Soghoian, a Google product marketing manager who rather charmingly describes himself as a “beginning builder.” Soghoian wrote: “We think the creative freedom of Lego bricks shouldn’t be limited to plastic bins.”

According to Soghoian, the Build with Chrome technology was originally developed by a team in Australia as an experiment. It took off, so the Chrome team made the decision to open it up to everyone. That may have a little something to do with the fact that “The Lego Movie” is set for an early February release.

Just imagine the possibilities: You’re stuck at work, miles away from your Lego stash. Simply boot up a computer and jump into a virtual Lego playground. Brick-stacking lessons are available if you’re set on becoming a master builder, or you can simply jump right in and play.

The Lego playground is also a plug for Google+, the fledgling social network. You can sign in on Google+ to view your network’s Lego creations and share your own.

Build With Lego is the latest fun experiment from the Chrome team. Google believes that these types of games and products will show off the browser’s capabilities. It’s also a strategy to inspire developers to build on Chrome, as Google promises it will share the most inventive ideas.